Latest ArticlesLongan Arillus is abundant in chemical components,and it mainly contains saccharides,lipid,amino acids,polyphenols,volatile constituent and other chemical components. Its modern pharmacological effects are wide,and it has anti-anxiety,anti-oxidation,anti-stress,antibacterium,anti-aging and antitumor effects. It also can affect the endocrine system,boost immunity and improve sleeping. Its application prospects are considerable. In this study,the relevant information of Longan Arillus was reviewed by referring to the literature in recent ten years,according to the research idea of quality markers. The quality markers of Longan Arillus were predicted and analyzed from seven aspects including different compatibilities of Chinese drugs,different processing methods,the relation of ingredients and effects,different extraction methods,different varieties and origins,chemical component measurabilities and traditional medicinal properties. It provided more powerful evidence for the quality control of Longan Arillus.
In the actual test,it is found that the leaching rate of 31 batches of Dangshen(Codonopsis pilosula)from different origins is different,with the lowest and highest differences of 20.869%. Therefore,even genuine Chinese medicine will have different effects depending on the place of origin. The appearance of these 31 batches of Dangshen(Codonopsis pilosula)is very similar,and it is impossible to distinguish them by trait identification. Because the 31 batches of Dangshen(Codonopsis pilosula)are all genuine and their main components are the same,they cannot be distinguished by microscopic identification and thin layer identification. In the past,the methods of judging the origin of traditional Chinese medicines,such as liquid chromatography,gas chromatography and polymerase chain reaction,were accurate but required professionals to test for hours or even days. Therefore,this paper took Dangshen(Codonopsis pilosula)as an example to study a method to quickly identify the origin of traditional Chinese medicine based on fourier transform infrared spectroscopy technology(FT-IR).
Ten batches of Dangshen(Codonopsis pilosula)from different origins were randomly selected and infrared spectrum data was collected separately. Firstly,the similarity of the infrared spectra of Dangshen(Codonopsis pilosula)of different origins was calculated,and the similarity heat map was drawn for preliminary analysis. Five different methods were used to preprocess the original infrared spectrum. The partial least squares(PLS1)model was established and the optimal processing method was selected and the cluster analysis was carried on the selected optimal group. The continuous projection algorithm was used to select the optimal wavelength for the optimal processing method group,establishing a multispectral model and calculating the regression equation for identifying the production location. Finally,the discriminant performance of the regression equation was verified by using the confusion matrix.
The optimal processing method for the full-spectrum model was normalization(NOR). The spectral data of 10 batches of Dangshen(Codonopsis pilosula)from different origins after NOR treatment can be completely clustered into10 categories by cluster analysis,and samples from the same origin were all clustered in the same category. The value of R2 p of the full spectrum model group was0.980 0,the corresponding RMSEPwas 0.406 7%,and the value of R2 p of the multispectral model established by the 13 optimal wavelengths selected by SPA was 0.990 6 and RMSEPwas0.280 4%. The prediction performance of the multispectral model was better than that of the full-spectrum model,and the variables that needed to be input were greatly reduced,saving time and effort,and the accuracy was high. The regression equation of origin discrimination calculated based on the multispectral model was verified by the confusion matrix,and its sensitivity and specificity were more than 97%,so it is believed that the regression equation can quickly and accurately determine the origin of Dangshen(Codonopsis pilosula).
The FTIR method of determining the origin of traditional Chinese medicines studied by taking Dangshen(Codonopsis pilosula)as an example is fast and effective,which provides ideas for the research on the origin of other traditional Chinese medicines and provides a theoretical basis for the development of rapid inspection equipment for traditional Chinese medicines in the future.
Sini Decoction(四逆汤)is a classical prescriptions derived from the Treatiseon Typhoid Fever,which consists Fuzi(Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata),Ganjiang(Zingiberis Rhizoma)and Zhigancao(Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma Praeparata Cum Melle). It is mainly used for treating Yang deficiency and cold syndrome of Taiyin and Shaoyin. Modern experimental research has proved that the main chemical components of Sini Decoction are aconitine,curcumin,triterpenoid saponins and flavonoids,which have the effects of anti-improvement of cardiac function,anti-oxidative stress,anti-myocardial fibrosis,improvement of haemodynamics,anti-atherosclerosis,increasing the immune response,inhibiting the tumour growth,protecting the renal function and so on. Sini Decoction has precise efficacy and wide application,and is mainly used in cardiovascular system,respiratory system,digestive system,endocrine system,acute and critical illnesses and tumours and other diseases. In this paper,it reviewed the current research status of Sini Decoction through three aspects of chemical composition,pharmacological effect and clinical application,in order to provide reference value for the research and development of Sini Decoction and more ancient classical prescriptions as well as their clinical application.
To study the antibacterial effect of eight kinds of Chinese drugs in vitro,screen the best compound ratio for external use to treat acne and prepare compound microemulsion gel for in vivo pharmacodynamic study of acne model in mice.
Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus aureus were selected as target bacteria,and the diameter of inhibition zone and minimum inhibitory concentration(MIC)of eight Chinese drugs were determined by filter paper method. Orthogonal test was used to optimize the compound ratio. The physical and chemical properties of microemulsion and microemulsion gel were comprehensively evaluated by preparing microemulsion with pseudo ternary phase diagram as evaluation index. A mouse acne model was established by injecting Propionibacterium acnes into the back,and the blank group,model group,positive drug group,microemulsion gel group and compound microemulsion gel group were set up. Histopathological changes were observed by HE and Masson staining,and the levels of inflammatory factors[interleukin-1β(IL-1β),interleukin-10(IL-10)and tumor necrosis factor-(TNF-α)]in serum were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).
The results showed that all the eight Chinese drugs had different antibacterial effects,among which Huanglian(Coptidis Rhizoma)had the best antibacterial effect on Propionibacterium acnes and Gancao(Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma)had the best antibacterial effect on Staphylococcus aureus,with MIC of 31.25 mg mL-1. The orthogonal test results showed that the sterilization rate of Dahuang(Rhei Radix et Rhizoma)(250 mg mL-1),Huanglian(Coptidis Rhizoma)(250 mg mL-1),Huangqin(Scutellariae Radix)(125 mg mL-1)and Gancao(Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma)(62.5 mg mL-1)was the best when the ratio was 4∶4∶2∶1. According to the pseudo-ternary phase diagram,the final microemulsion formula was Tween-80(3 g),PEG 400(6 g),isopropyl myristate(1 g)and distilled water(12 g),and 1% carbomer 940 was added according to the mass ratio,and the microemulsion gel was obtained after full swelling,and the compound microemulsion gel was obtained by replacing the water phase with the compound extract of the Chinese medicine compound. The pharmacodynamic experiment showed that compared with those of the blank group,the skin tissue of the model group showed obvious pathological changes,and the contents of IL-1β,IL-10 and TNF-αin serum increased significantly(P<0.01). Compared with those in the model group,the pathological changes in the drug group were relieved to varying degrees,and the contents of serum inflammatory factors were decreased,especially those in the compound microemulsion gel group(P<0.01).
The compound of Dahuang(Rhei Radix et Rhizoma),Huanglian(Coptidis Rhizoma),Huangqin(Scutellariae Radix)and Gancao(Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma)has obvious bacteriostatic effect. The preparation of the compound microemulsion gel has a good therapeutic effect on acne model in mice,and can effectively alleviate acne inflammation caused by Propionibacterium acnes.
By studying the anti-aging effect of Cistanche deserticola polysaccharides(CDPS)in vivo,it aimed to explore the possible mechanisms underlying this anti-aging effect.
Seventy-five Kunming species(KM)mice aged 12 months were randomly divided into a blank control group(WT),a low-dose group of Cistanche deserticola polysaccharides(CDPS. L),a medium dose group of Cistanche deserticola polysaccharides(CDPS. M),a high-dose group of Cistanche deserticola polysaccharides(CDPS. H),and a positive drug group(P). The mice were given corresponding drugs or the same volume of distilled water by gavage until obvious signs of death appeared. The other mice that did not show obvious signs of death were uniformly sampled 180 days after administration. The levels of glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px),total superoxide dismutase(TSOD)and malondialdehyde(MDA)in serum were detected to observe the antioxidant effect of Cistanche deserticola polysaccharides.16SrRNA sequencing was used to analyze the structure of gut microbiota. The effects on cognitive ability and intestinal function of mice were observed through HE staining of pathological sections of the hippocampus and intestines.
Compared with that o the WT group,the survival rate of the mice treated with CDPSwas improved,and the effect of CDPS. M and CDPS. H groups was better than that of Pgroup,but it was not significant. Compared with those of the WT group mice,the GSH-Px activity and T-SOD activity of the CDPSgroups were significantly increased,and the MDA levels in each treatment group were significantly reduced compared to that in the WT group,and the GSH-Px activity of CDPS. H group was significantly improved compared to that in Pgroup. CDPScan improve the intestinal microbiota homeostasis in mice,increase the levels of Akkermansia muciniphila,Alloprevotella and Prevotellaceae probiotics,and improve intestinal function. Compared with those of the other groups,the intestinal villus length and wall thickness of mice were longer. CDPSalso can reduce hippocampal neuronal death caused by aging.
CDPShas anti-aging effects,which may be due to its antioxidant properties and its ability to improve intestinal function,thereby affecting the homeostasis of gut microbiota,resulting in an increase in the levels of Akkermansia muciniphila,Alloprevotella and Prevotellaceae probiotics. Additionally,the effect of CDPSon reducing hippocampal neuronal death in mice may also be one of the anti-aging mechanisms of CDPS.
To study the effect of Buzhong Yiqi Decoction(补中益气汤)on the neural development of the offsprings of subclinical hypothyroidism(SCH)rats and explore its possible mechanism of action. At the same time,to compare the therapeutic effects of different doses of traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine.
Adult female SD rats were used to establish an SCH model using total thyroidectomy and postoperative subcutaneous injection of L-T4,and the rats were randomly divided into the following 6 groups:sham surgery group,model group,low-dose group of Buzhong Yiqi Decoction[4.1 g/(kg·d)],medium dose group of Buzhong Yiqi Decoction[8.19 g/(kg·d)],high-dose group of Buzhong Yiqi Decoction[16.38 g/(kg·d)],euthyrox group[4.5μɡ/(kg·d)]. After completing the SCH model,the model rats mated with normal male rats in a cage,and started administration 2 weeks before mating until sample collection. The samples were taken out from placental tissue at day 13 of pregnancy(E13)and brain tissue from offsprings at day 7 after birth(P7). Water maze experiments were performed on offsprings at day 21. Radioimmunoassay(RIA)method was used to detect total thyroxine(T4)in serum. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)was used to detect thyroid stimulating hormone(TSH)in serum. The mitochondrial morphology of brain tissue was observed through electron microscopy. Intracellular reactive oxygen species(ROS)was detected by DCFH-DA probe method. Mitochondrial DNA copy number was detected by using RT-PCR. DNA methyltransferase(DNMT)1,DNMT3a,DNMT3b,ten-eleven-translocation protein(TET)1 and TET2 were detected by the Western blotting(Wb)method.
Compared with those of the sham surgery group,the serum TSH levels of the model group were significantly increased,the Morris water maze scores of the 21-day offspring rats were significantly decreased,and the morphology of neuronal mitochondria was damaged under electron microscopy. On day 13,the levels of ROSincreased and the activities of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes I and Ⅱ decreased in placental tissue and brain tissue of 7-day offspring rats. On day 7,the grayscale values of DNMT1,DNMT3a and DNMT3b proteins promoted methylation in brain tissue decreased,and the levels of TET1 and TET2 proteins regulated by reverse methylation increased. Compared with those of the model group,the medium dose and high dose groups of Buzhong Yiqi Decoction as well as the Western medicine group can reduce the elevated TSH levels in SCH rats,improve Morris water maze performance in 21-day offspring rats,reduce ROS levels and mitochondrial respiratory chain complex I and Ⅱ activity in brain tissue,improve the morphology of neuronal mitochondria in offspring rats,increase the grayscale values of methylated DNMT1,DNMT3a and DNMT3b proteins,and reduce the levels of TET1 and TET2 proteins regulated by reverse methylation.
Buzhong Yiqi Decoction can improve the learning and memory abilities of offsprings of maternal SCH rats,and its mechanism may be related to regulating methylation to improve mitochondrial energy metabolism and restore mitochondrial function.
To investigate the effects of electroacupuncture(EA)preconditioning on myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury(MIRI)and its regulation of the inflammatory response through the mTOR/NLRP3 signaling pathway.
Seventy SD rats were randomly divided into five groups:sham operation group,model group,EA group,EA+saline group and EA+mTOR agonists(EA+MHY1485)group,with 14 rats in each group. After the intervention,it evaluated cardiac function by measuring the left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF)and left ventricular fraction shortening(LVFS). Additionally,it performed hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining to observe histopathological changes in the myocardium. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)in myocardial tissue were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). Furthermore,it assessed the gene expression levels of apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD(ASC),cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase-1(Caspase-1),interleukin-1β(IL-1β)and interleukin-18(IL-18)in cardiac tissue using quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR). Finally,it analyzed the protein expression levels of mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR),NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3(NLRP3)and nuclear factor kappa-B(NF-κB)by Western blotting.
Compared to the sham operation group,the rats in the model group showed decreased values of LVFS and LVEF(P<0.05). Myocardial tissue exhibited muscle fiber rupture,blurred structure and a significant infiltration of inflammatory cells. Additionally,the TNF-αlevel in the myocardial tissue increased(P<0.05). The relative gene expression levels of Caspase-1,ASC,IL-1βand IL-18 were significantly increased(P<0.05),along with increased protein expression levels of mTOR,NLRP3 and NF-κB. In contrast,the rats in the EA group showed increased FSand EF values(P<0.05). The myocardial tissue structure improved,inflammatory cell infiltration decreased and the expression of TNF-αin the myocardial tissue decreased(P<0.05). The relative expression levels of Caspase-1,ASC,IL-1βand IL-18 genes also decreased(P<0.05),as well as the protein expressions of mTOR,NLRP3 and NF-κB(P<0.05). However,compared to the EA+saline group,the EA+MHY1485 group showed worsened rats myocardial tissue,increased TNF-αlevel in the myocardial tissue(P<0.05),increased relative expression levels of Caspase-1,ASC,IL-1βand IL-18 genes(P<0.05),and increased protein expression levels of mTOR,NLRP3 and NF-κB(P<0.05).
The mTOR agonist MHY1485 can weaken the protective effect of electricity against myocardial tissue damage in MIRI rats,and EA pretreatment can reduce the inflammatory response of MIRI rat myocardial cells,thereby improving myocardial tissue damage caused by ischemia-reperfusion. Therefore,it is inferred that the mechanism of EA pretreatment to improve MIRI injury in rats may be related to the mTOR/NLRP3 signaling pathway.
Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)has a high degree of malignancy and poor prognosis,and the current treatment methods have not achieved ideal efficacy. HCCbelongs to the categories of “jaundice”,“accumulation”,“abdominal mass” and “tympania” in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM),and TCM syndrome differentiation and treatment has unique advantages in treatment on HCC. As the core of TCM compound,the research value of Chinese drug pair is of great significance to clinical drug guidance. Studies have found that some drug pairs can relieve clinical symptoms such as abdominal pain,bloating,fatigue and poor appetite,reduce TCM symptom scores,and improve patients'quality of life and prognosis. Pharmacological studies have found that the drug pair has a synergistic and detoxifying effect after combination,and can treat HCCby inhibiting tumor cell proliferation,invasion and migration,blocking cell cycle,and inducing apoptosis and other multi-target ways. Therefore,this paper summarized the efficacy,pharmacological research and clinical application of some “drug pairs” in the treatment of HCC,in order to provide a theoretical basis for the “drug pairs” in the treatment of HCC and provide clinical reference for the prevention and treatment of HCC by TCM.
This article introduced Professor YEHai's clinical experience in treating knee osteoarthritis(KOA). KOA is a disease with high incidence and disability rate. Clinically,it is mainly characterized by knee joint swelling,stiffness,poor mobility and functional impairment. Severe cases may result in joint deformities,and as the disease progresses and worsens,it can lead to muscle atrophy and even disability. KOA belongs to the category of “knee Bi syndrome” and “Hexifeng” in traditional Chinese medicine. Its cause is mostly due to old age,insufficient Qi and blood,and dysfunction of Zang-organs,leading to endogenous cold and dampness or external wind cold and dampness. If the circulation of Qi and blood is not smooth,blocking the meridians and causing pain,and then resulting in this disease. The persisting condition,recurrent attacks,prolonged illness entering the meridians,and Qi and blood failing to nourish the muscles and bones,could make the muscles,bones and tendons lack of nourishment,and the marrow will lose nourishment. Professor YE Hai believes that the key pathogenesis and pathological characteristics of KOA in the elderly are “congenital deficiency,acquired disorder,liver-Qi stagnation,cold-dampness phlegm and blood stasis”,which affect each other. Clinical patients often develop blood stasis due to deficiency,phlegm due to deficiency,colddampness and blood stasis and accumulation of phlegm-blood stasis. Professor YE Hai is skilled in using the treatment principles of tonifying spleen and kidney,soothing liver and regulating Qi,dispelling cold and dampness,and resolving phlegm and blood stasis to treat this disease,which can achieve good clinical results.
To observe the clinical effect of Shenqi Guben Pobi Decoction(参芪固本破壁饮)combined with moxibustion at Du meridian on liver cancer fatigue.
A total of 120 patients with fatigue due to liver cancer admitted to the hospital from October 2020 to May 2023 were divided into traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)group and conventional group by means of random number table,with 60 patients in each group. The conventional group received routine treatment such as sleep management,nutritional guidance,exercise therapy and psychological counseling. On the basis of conventional treatment,the patients in the TCM group were given Shenqi Guben Pobi Decoction combined with moxibustion at Du meridian treatment. In the course of treatment,3 cases fell off in the conventional group and 5 cases in the TCM group. There were 57 cases remained in the conventional group and 55 cases in the TCM group. The clinical data observation of patients in each group included the clinical efficacy,the changes of TCM symptom scores(fatigue,shortness of breath,spontaneous sweating,lazy speech,insomnia palpitation,dizziness,etc.)and Piper's Fatigue Scale(PFS)scores before and after treatment. Hamilton Anxiety Scale-14(HAMA-14)and Hamilton Depression Scale-17(HAMD-17)were used to assess the negative emotions of the patients in each group. The Pittsburgh sleep quality index(PSQI)was used to evaluate the sleep quality of the patients before and after treatment,and the Spitzer Quality of life index(SQLI)was used to evaluate the changes of patients'quality of life before and after treatment,and voluntary treatment satisfaction questionnaire was adopted to investigate the satisfaction rate of patients in each group.
The total effective rate of the TCM group(96.36%)was higher than that of the conventional group(84.21%)(P<0.05). Before treatment,TCM syndrome scores(fatigue,shortness of breath,spontaneous sweating,lazy speech,insomnia palpitation,dizziness,etc.),PFSscore,HAMA-14 score,HAMD-17 score,PSQI score and SQLI score were not significant between two groups(P>0.05). After treatment,TCM syndrome scores(fatigue,shortness of breath,spontaneous sweating,lazy speech,insomnia palpitation,dizziness,etc.),PFSscores,HAM-14 scores,HAMD-17 scores,PSQI scores and SQLI scores were significantly improved in both groups. After treatment,TCM syndrome scores(fatigue,shortness of breath,spontaneous sweating,lazy speech,insomnia palpitation,dizziness,etc.),PFSscores,HAMA-14 scores,HAMD-17,PSQI scores,SQLI scores and other indicators in the TCM group were better than those in the conventional group(P<0.05). The treatment satisfaction rate of the TCM group(93.36%)was higher than that of the conventional group(84.21%)(P<0.05).
Shenqi Guben Pobi Decoction combined with moxibustion at Du meridian in the treatment of liver cancer fatigue has better clinical effect. After treatment,the symptoms,negative emotions,sleep quality and quality of life of the patients all improved and the patients were satisfied and recognized. It is worthy of applying.